Family of boy killed by stray bullet on 4th of July desperate for answers 2 years later
Share and Follow


TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Two years ago, a seven-year-old boy was killed by a stray bullet while watching fireworks in Tampa.

The family of Yitzian Torres-Garcia said they still don’t have answers.

The shooting happened on the Courtney Campbell Causeway during Fourth of July celebrations in 2023.

Marisol Ayala, the boy’s grandmother, said she’s heard almost nothing from detectives investigating the case. Despite the dozens of people gathered for the fireworks that night, no arrests have been made.

“So why is nobody arrested?” Ayala said. “Two years, I only saw the detective once. No calls, no nothing.”

Ayala’s questions echo with heartbreak as she relives the pain of losing her grandson.

“Every day, it affects me because he was 7 years old,” Ayala said. “He had a good life, we spoiled him a lot, and he had nothing to do with this.”

According to the family, an argument over jet-skis among a group of people near the causeway escalated into gunfire. That’s when Yitzian was struck by a stray bullet.

“If you are going to have an argument or a fight, fight, but why do you have to pull out guns and take an innocent person?” Ayala said.

When asked about the investigation’s status, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw told the family deserves justice.

“No child’s life should end while watching fireworks on the Fourth of July,” he said.

Ayala said her family has been left in the dark.

“So many cameras, so many pictures, so many recordings,” she said, expressing frustration that so far no one has been held accountable.

She added that the boy’s grandfather is also struggling. He was shot in the hand while trying to shield his grandson — resulting in the loss of his finger, a painful, permanent reminder of the tragedy.

The family said they’re desperate for answers and justice as another Fourth of July passes without closure.

Crimestoppers is offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Columbia County Planning Commission to Review Proposed Data Center Projects in Upcoming Meeting

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ga. () – On Thursday, the Columbia County Planning Commission…

US Flu Activity Declines for Second Consecutive Week, Yet Experts Caution Against Complacency

NEW YORK – Recent data from government sources indicate a promising decline…

South Korean Court Hands Yoon a 5-Year Prison Term Over Martial Law Charges

SEOUL – In a landmark decision, a South Korean court sentenced former…

Lake County Power Outages Lead to Establishment of Warming Centers Amid Freezing Temperatures

Residents of Lake County, Florida, found themselves facing unexpectedly harsh weather conditions…

Farmers Fight Frost to Preserve Valentine’s Day Strawberries with Innovative ‘Igloo’ Technique

PLANT CITY, Fla. — In the predawn hours of Tuesday, a battle…

Uganda’s Vote Count Begins Amid Opposition Leader’s Concerns Over Fairness

KAMPALA – As Uganda embarked on counting votes from its highly charged…

Governor Kemp Introduces Comprehensive Budget Proposal Prioritizing Tax Relief, Education, and Infrastructure Development

ATLANTA — Georgia Governor Brian Kemp unveiled his primary budget priorities for…

Benefits of Running Your Pool Overnight in Freezing Florida Conditions

ORLANDO, Fla. – As winter approaches, the familiar mantra of protecting the…